Om Birla — From grassroots politician to Lok Sabha Speaker

A surprise pick by the ruling BJP-led NDA, Birla's name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for the post, sources said. The 56-year-old leader is considered to be close to both Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah. Birla's nomination for the Lok Sabha speaker's post also has the backing of non-NDA parties such as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

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